The antiviral medication Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is considered safe during breastfeeding when used as prescribed to treat flu symptoms, reduce the risk of flu complications, and prevent the flu after exposure.

Influenza (the flu) is a viral illness that affects the respiratory tract. While most people experience mild symptoms during postpartum (after delivery), if you have given birth in the last 2 weeks, you may be at higher risk of complications.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and lower the risk of complications for those having recently given birth.

Here’s more about the safety of Tamiflu while breastfeeding, as well as what else you can do to take care of yourself and your baby while you’re sick.

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that can shorten the duration of flu symptoms, reduce flu complications, and prevent people from getting the virus after exposure. You may safely take this medication if your doctor prescribes it — even if you’re breastfeeding.

The maternal dose of Tamiflu is 150 milligrams (mg) per day. At this level, the drug does not pass a significant amount into the breast milk. In fact, infants over 2 weeks old may be prescribed Tamiflu at doses that are higher than those found in the breast milk of women taking the drug.

When to see a doctor if you have the flu while breastfeeding

It’s typical to feel run down with fever or respiratory symptoms. That said, you should see your doctor immediately if you experience:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you are unlikely to have negative effects when taking Tamiflu while breastfeeding. Side effects are typically mild and may include:

Researchers conducted a study involving a nursing mother who was prescribed Tamiflu at 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. The drug levels in her breast milk fluctuated, but over the course of 3 days, they reached a concentration of 37 to 39 micrograms per liter (mcg/L).

This meant that her infant would take in a maximum of 0.012 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) daily from breast milk, which is below the recommended dose of 3 mg/kg daily for infants over 2 weeks old.

Tamiflu can help relieve flu symptoms and illness duration, helping you feel better while continuing to nurse. It also reduces the risk of some complications or hospitalization, which could separate you from your baby.

If you are not yet sick, Tamiflu may prevent flu after exposure and reduce the risk of you and your baby getting the illness and experiencing complications.

There are other ways to treat flu symptoms if you are nursing. Here are a few:

Medical treatment

The flu is a viral illness, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics unless it progresses into a bacterial infection. If you feel like your symptoms went away and then returned, this may be a sign of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infection, or other complications. Contact your doctor for appropriate treatment.

Home remedies

It can be difficult to get adequate rest when caring for an infant, but it’s important to take time to recover if you are sick.

Home treatment for the flu may include:

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Tamiflu is most effective against the flu when taken within the first 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset. The flu generally lasts for 1 week; taking Tamiflu may shorten this by 1 day. Even if you are not able to take Tamiflu right away, it may reduce the risk of complications if you have conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, or if you are in the postpartum period.

What flu medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Some over-the-counter cold and flu medications may be safe for nursing, while others may not. If you are unsure, ask your doctor and/or consult the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Drugs and Lactation Database.

What do you do if you have the flu and are breastfeeding?

You may nurse as you typically do when you have the flu. If you feel too unwell, consider expressing milk to keep your supply up and allowing another person to bottlefeed your baby with your breast milk. If you notice a decrease in supply — or other issues — contact a lactation consultant for support.

Can my baby get the flu from me if I am breastfeeding and get the flu?

The flu is not spread through breast milk. Breastfeeding may actually provide your baby with antibodies that protect against viruses. To help prevent transmission to your baby through droplets, be sure to wash your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.

Can you get a flu shot if you are breastfeeding?

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine each year — especially if you’re pregnant or nursing. Getting vaccinated against the flu may provide additional protection to babies (especially those too young to get vaccinated themselves) by sharing the vaccine antibodies in the breast milk.

Tamiflu is considered safe while breastfeeding when used as prescribed. While research indicates the risk to infants is low, it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking new medications to ensure there are no underlying health concerns for you or your baby.

If you are sick, you may continue breastfeeding as usual — but take care of yourself and your baby. Getting rest, staying hydrated, and nourishing your body can help you feel better while maintaining your milk supply.

You may want to consult a lactation consultant if you have other concerns.